China slams Taiwan's bid to join intl' trade group

China on Thursday said Taiwan has no right to join the international bodies after the self-ruled island announced its application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

At a daily news conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian reasserted China's claim over the island but gave no details of how it might respond.

"We are firmly opposed to any official contacts between Taiwan and other countries, as well as Taiwan's accession to any agreements or organisations that are of an official nature," said Zhao.

Taiwan's decision is likely to set up a potential clash with rival Beijing over the status of the island democracy.

A Taiwan Cabinet minister said the island's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership might be disrupted if China, which applied last week, is admitted first.

The CPTPP, which took effect in 2018, includes agreements on market access, movement of labor and government procurement.

Other members include Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and New Zealand.